Composition for control of vegetation



United States Patent 3,143,497 COMPOSETIGN FOR CGNTRUL 0F VEGETATIGN Ellen M. Mitcheil, Long Beach, Paul E. Giguere, La

Mirada, and Dale W. Rake, Yorha Linda, Calitl, assignors to United States Borax & Chemical Qorporation, Los Angeles, Caiifi, a corporation of Nevada No Drawing. Continuation of abandoned apphcation Ser. No. 738,296, May 28, 1958. This application lViar. 2, 1959, Ser. No. 796,214

5 Claims.

The present invention is a continuation of our invention Serial No. 738,296, filed May 28, 1958, now abandoned.

This invention relates to herbicidal compositions for controlling vegetation and has more particular reference to improved chemical compositions and methods for killing weeds and control weed growth.

In the present invention the term weeds is used in its broadest sense and is meant to include all vegetation which grows in areas Where it is not wanted. The term vegetation is meant to include plants in all stages of development from the germinating seed to full-grown plants, whether annual, biennial or perennial in growth habit.

It is, therefore, the principal object of the present invention to provide chemical compositions for controlling or eliminating weeds, which compositions are more resistant to breakdown by soil organisms and degeneration due to climatic conditions and virtually more persistent in herbicidal activity.

A further object is to provide herbicidal compositions having phytotoxicity unattained by prior art compositions.

Other objects will become apparent as the description proceeds.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention then comprises the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the following description setting forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, these being indicative, however, of but a few of the ways in which the principle of the invention may be employed.

The present invention is predicated upon the discovery that when certain herbicidal chemicals are dispersed in a stable thixotropic colloidal gel a synergistic elfect is obtained which results in phytotoxicity never before obtained by these ingredients alone.

We have found that when such a composition is applied to vegetation it forms a thin durable film which is held in intimate contact with the outer surfaces or epidermal cells of both monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants. If the herbicides which are suspended in the colloid are relatively water insoluble or slowly soluble the film holding the herbicides in close contact with the epidermal cells of the plant is returned to its gel-like or thixotropic state by water of transpiration or plant exudate, thus allowing small quantities of the herbicide to be dissolved. The dissolved portion of the herbicides enter the plant th ough the epidermal cells or stomata and then into the translocation system to produce internal toxic symptoms. Should the herbicides suspended in the colloid be water soluble the film holding the herbicide in tight contact with the plant allows a quick burn action.

If sodium borate and sodium chlorate are combined with an organic herbicide in an aqueous thixotropic colloidal gel an etfect is produced which gives a quick burn along with sustained herbicidal action. We do not know What causes the synergistic effect, but the fact remains that if the foregoing combined herbicides or other combination of herbicides are applied to a plant in water solution or as a dust, etc., without being suspended in the Patented Aug. 4, 1964 thixotropic colloid, the overall herbicidal eliect is markedly less. Still further we have found that small percentages of organic nonionic surface active agents when added to the present compositions greatly improve the contact action of the compositions, especially when used in the control of monocotyledonous type weeds. Additionally the present compositions when applied to the soil surrounding the noxious vegetation will render the soil unproductive and prevent further growth.

It is also of interest to note that the compositions of the present invention do not cause injury to vegetation adjacent to the treated area.

Prior art herbicides which are applied in powders or solutions tend to wash into adjacent areas and cause damage; or they volatilize and the Vapors carry over into adjacent areas. However, with the present compositions the colloid holds the herbicide at the point Where it is applied.

The following terials especially lists of herbicides are illustrative of mauseful in the present invention.

1. Sodium and calcium borates:

(1) Sodium tetraborate decahydrate Na B 0 -10H O (borax).

(2) Anhydrous borax Na B O (3) Sodium tetraborate pentahydrate N32B407'5H20.

(4) Sodium metaborate Na B O -8H O.

(5) Sodium pentaborate Na B O '10I-I O.

(6) Gerstley boratea natural occurring mixture of ulexite (NaCaB O -8H O) and colemanite (Ca B O -5H O).

(7) Colemanite-a natural occurring calcium b0- rate CflgBeOn'SHzO.

(8) Ulexitea natural occurring sodium-calcium borate (NaCaB O 81-1 0).

As indicated, these borates may be used with or with out their normal Water of hydration. Polyborates made up of mixtures of borates and mixtures of borates with boric acid may also be used.

In the preferred embodiment of our invention we use a borate or combination of borates which in solution produce a pH of about 11.0l2.0. An example of such a borate is anhydrous sodium metaborate (Na B O If desired various borates can be used in combination with an alkali metal hydroxide, such as sodium hydroxide, to bring the pH up to the preferred level.

II. Alkali and alkaline earth chlorates:

(1) Sodium chlorate. (2) Potassium chlorate. (3) Lithium chlorate. (4) Calcium chlorate.

(1) Sodium salt of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. (2) Sodium 2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)ethyl sulfate.

our invention we use cheapest and most readily '2 a (3) 2,2-dichloropropionic acid. (4) Sodium 2,4,S-trichlorophenoxyethyl sulfate. (5) Trichloroacetic acid. (6) 3-amino-1,2,4 triazole. (7) Sodium salt pentachlorophenate.

It is to be understood that those organic materials accepted by those skilled in the art as herbicides are all useful in the present invention.

As previously stated, the foregoing are dissolved and/or dispersed in a gel. The following suspending agents materials useful in preparing these gels:

herbicidal materials thixotropic colloidal are illustrative of (1 Carboxymethylcellulose.

(2) Hydrousmagnesium silicate. (3) Casein.

(4) Gum arabic.

(5) Guar gum.

(6) Alginates.

(7 Methyl cellulose.

(8) Clays.

In the preferred embodiment of our invention we use the high-swelling clays which are known as bentonite clays.

Nonionic surface active agents, such as the following, are typical of those useful in the present invention:

(1) Emcol 14 (polyglyceride ester of fatty acid).

(2) Triton B-195 6 (phthalic glycerol alkyl resin).

(3) Triton X-100 (alkyl aryl polyether alcohol).

(4) Permelene (fatty esters and salts of fatty alcohol sulfates).

(5) Nonionic #218 (polyethylene glycol tetradodecyl thioether).

(6) Sterox CD (polyoxyethylene thioether).

chlorate 1.0-16.0 (3) Water soluble or water insoluble organic herbicide 0.04-20.0 (4) Suspending agent 0.25-25.0 (5) Organic nonionic surface active agent -1.0 (6) Alkali metal hydroxide 07.0 (7) Water 500-940 The ingredients used to produce the preferred embodiment of our invention may be so selected as to comprise the following composition:

Parts by wt. (1) Anhydrous sodium metaborate 9.0-11.0 (2) Sodium clflorate 3.0-5.0

(3) Water soluble or water insoluble organic herbicide 0.3-2.0 (4) Bentonite clay -Q. 20-40 Nonionic surface active agent 0.2-0.5 (6) Water 50.0-92.0

In producing the compositions of our invention we have found that the most stable colloids are produced by first completely hydrating the suspending agent then adding the other ingredients to the suspension. For example, bentonite clay is added to the predetermined amount of water using a high-speed mixing device. The bentonite clays can absorb up to ten times their weight of water, and this proportion of clay to Water will be found generally to be the most expedient proportions to use. After all the clay (or other suspending agent) has been added to the water, time is allowed (usually up to about 30 minutes) for complete hydration before the remaining ingredients are added. It is immaterial whether the suspending agent is added to the other ingredients or vice versa, as long as good mixing techniques are used.

By first substantially completely hydrating the suspending agent and then adding the other ingredients, we are able to produce herbicidal compositions which not only give a faster burn and a longer contact action, but We also have been able to produce herbicidal compositions which are substantially stable colloidal suspensions in a temperature range of from about 050 C.

So that the present invention is more clearly understood the following examples are given:

Parts by wt. (1) Anhydrous sodium metaborate 9.0-11.0 (2) Sodium chlorate 2.0-5.0 (3) Sodium salt of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid 0.1-4.0 (4) Nonionic surface active agent (Emcol 14) 02-05 (5) Bentonite clay 05-40 (6) Water 50.090.0

(1) Anhydrous sodium metaborate 9.0-11.0 (2) Sodium chlorate 2.0-5.0 (3) Pentachlorophenate (sodium salt) 20-50 (4) Bentonite clay 0.5-4.0 (5) Nonionic surface active agent (Triton (6) Water 50.0-90.0 111 (1) Anhydrous calcium borate 9.0-11.0

(2) Potassium chlorate 2.0-5.0

(3) Trichloroacetic acid 2.0-5.0

(4) Methyl cellulose 05-40 (5) Nonionic surface active agent (nonionic (6) Water 50.0-90.0 IV

Percent (1) Sodium hydroxide 4.00 (2) Sodium tetraborate pentahydrate 10.80 (3) Sodium chlorate 3.80 (4) Bentonite clay 2.40 (5) 3-p-chlorophenyl-1,l-dimethyl urea 0.42 (6) Nonionic surface active agent (Emcol 14) 0.25 (7) Water 78.33

The sodium hydroxide, sodium tetraborate pentahydrate and sodium chlorate were dissolved in 60-75% of the total water. The remaining 25-40% water was used to hydrate the suspending agent. The clay was added to the water with agitation and allowed to stand about 30 minutes. The organic herbicide and wetting agent were then added to the colloid with agitation and then the colloid was added to the borate, caustic and chlorate solution. The resulting mixture was a stable thixotropic colloidal gel.

Using substantially the same technique as in Example IV, the compositions of the following examples were prepared:

Percent (1) Sodium hydroxide 4.00 (2) Sodium tetraborate decahydrate 15.85 (3) Sodium chlorate 3.80 (4) Bentonite clay 2.40 (5) 3-p-chlorophenyl-1,l-dimethyl urea 0.42 (6) Nonionic surface active agent (Triton B-1956) 0.25 (7) Water 73.28

(1) Anhydrous sodium metaborate 10.80 (2) Sodium chlorate 3.80 (3) Bentonite clay 2.40 (4) 3-p-chlorophenyl-1,l-dimethyl urea 0.42 (5) Nonionic surface active agent (Emcol 14) 0.25 (6) Water 82.33

VII

(1) Anhydrous sodium metaborate 10.80 (2) Sodium chlorate 3.80 (3) Hydrous magnesium silicate 2.00 (4) 2-chloro-4,fi-bis-ethylamino-S-triazine 0.40 (5) Nonionic surface active agent (Triton X-100) 0.20 (6) Water 82.80

VIII

(1) Anhydrous sodium metaborate 10.80 (2) Sodium chlorate 3.80 (3) Carboxymethylcellulose 1.00 (4) 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid 0.33 (5) Nonionic surface active agent (Sterox CD) 0.25

(6) Vlater 83.82

The compositions of the foregoing examples and variations thereof were applied directly to vegetation or as a soil treatment, at rates of 150 to 300 gallons per acre. The present compositions showed superior phytotoxicity to any of the components applied singly or combined in dry admixture or solution when applied to the same rates of application.

Other modes of applying the principle of the invention may be employed, change being made as regards the details described, provided the features stated in any of the following claims or the equivalent of such be employed.

We, therefore, particularly point out and distinctly claim as our invention:

1. A composition for control of vegetation capable when applied in one application of imparting a quick burn along with a prolonged herbicidal action, said composition comprising as the essential active ingredients a herbicidal concentration of a material selected from the group consisting of sodium and calcium borates, an alkali metal chlorate and an organic herbicide dispersed in a thixotropic gel, said organic herbicide selected from the group consisting of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2,4,5- trichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2-chloro-4,6-bis(ethylamino)-S-triazine, 3-(pchlorophenyl)-l,1-dimethyl urea, 3-phenyl-1,1-dimethyl urea, 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-l,l-dimethyl urea, 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1-methyl-1-n-butyl urea, 2-chloro-4,6-bis- (diethylamino)-S-triazine, 2,3,6-trichlorobenzoic acid, isopropyl-N-(3-chlorophenyl) carbamate, sodium salt of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, sodium 2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)ethyl sulfate, 2,2-dichloropropionic acid, sodium 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyethyl sulfate, trichloroacetic acid, 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole, and sodium salt pentachlorophenate, said gel comprising an aqueous colloidal suspension of a material selected from the class consisting of clays, methyl cellulose, alginates, guar gums, gum arabic, casein, hydrous magnesium silicate, and carboxymethylcellulose.

2. A composition for control of vegetation capable when applied in one application of imparting a quick burn along with a prolonged herbicidal action, said composition comprising as the essential active ingredients from about 3.0 to about 32.0 parts by Weight of a material selected from the group consisting of sodium and calcium borates, from about 1.0 to about 16.0 parts by weight of an alkali metal chlorate, from about 0.04 to about 4.0 parts by weight of an organic herbicide, said herbicide selected from the group consisting of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2-chloro-4-,6- bis(ethylamino) S triazine, 3 (p chlorophenyl) 1,1-

6 V dimethyl urea, 3-phenyl-l,1-dimethyl urea, 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethyl urea, 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)- l-methyl-l-n-butyl urea, 2-chloro-4,6-bis (diethylamino)- S-triazine, 2,3,6-trichlorobenzoic acid, isopropyl-N-(3- chlorophenyl) carbamate, sodium salt of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, sodium 2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)ethyl sulfate, 2,2-dichloropropionic acid, sodium 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyethyl sulfate, trichloroacetic acid, 3-amino-1,2,4- triazole, and sodium salt pentachlorophenate, from about 0 to about 1 part by weight of an organic nonionic surface active agent, and from 0 to about 7.0 parts by weight of an alkali metal hydroxide dispersed in a thixotropic gel, said gel comprising an aqueous colloidal suspension from about 1.0 to about 25.0 parts by weight of a material selected from the group consisting of clays, methyl cellulose, alginates, guar gums, gum arabic, casein, hydrous magnesium silicate, and carboxymethylcellulose, said total composition containing from about 50.0 to about 92.0 parts by weight of water.

3. A composition for control of vegetation capable when applied in one application of imparting a quick burn along with a prolonged herbicidal action, said composition comprising as the essential active ingredients from about 9.0 to about 11.0 parts by weight of sodium metaborate, from about 3.0 to about 5.0 parts by weight of sodium chlorate, from about 0.04 to about 4.0 parts by weight of an organic herbicide, said herbicide selected from the group consisting of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2,4,S-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2-methyl-4-chlorophenyoxyacetic acid, 2-chloro-4,6-bis(ethylamino)-S-triazine, 3-(p-chlorophenyl)-1,l-dimethyl urea, 3-phenyl-1, l-dimethyl urea, 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,l-dimethyl urea, 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1-methyl-1-n-butyl urea, 2- chloro-4,6-bis (diethylamino -S-triazine, 2,3 ,fi-trichlorobenzoic acid, isopropyl-N-(3-chlorophenyl) carbamate, sodium salt of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, sodium 2- (2,4-dichlorophenoXy) ethyl sulfate, 2,2-dichloropropionic acid, sodium 2,4,S-trichlorophenoxyethyl sulfate, trichloroacetic acid, 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole, and sodium salt pentachlorophenate, and from about 0.2 to about 0.5 part by weight of an organic nonionic surface active agent dispersed in a thixotropic gel, said gel comprising an aqueous colloidal suspension of from about 0.5 to about 4.0 parts by weight of bentonite clay, said total composition containing about 50.0 to about 92.0 parts by weight of water.

4. The method of controlling vegetation which comprises applying thereto in herbicidal quantities a composition comprising as the essential active ingredients from about 3 to about 32 parts by weight of a material selected from the group consisting of sodium and calcium borates, from about 1 to about 16 parts by weight of an alkali metal chlorate, from about 0.04 to about 4 parts by weight of an organic herbicide, said organic herbicide selected from the group consisting of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2-methyl- 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2-chloro-4,6-bis(ethylamino)- S-triazine, 3-(p-chloro-phenyl)-l,l-dimethyl urea, 3-phenyl-l,1-dimethyl urea, 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-l,l-dimethyl urea, 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1-methyl-1-n-butyl urea, 2- chloro-4,6-bis(diethylamino)-S-triazine, 2,3,6 trichlorobenzoic acid, isopropyl-N-(3-chlorophenyl) carbarnate, sodium salt of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, sodium 2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)ethyl sulfate, 2,2-dichloropropionic acid, sodium 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyethyl sulfate, trichloroacetic acid, 3-amino-l,2,4-triazole, and sodium salt pentachlorophenate, from about 0 to about 1 part by weight of an organic nonionic surface active agent, and from O to about 7 parts by weight of an alkali metal hydroxide dispersed in a thixotropic gel, said gel comprising an aqueous colloidal suspension from about 1 to about 25 parts by weight of a material selected from the group consisting of clays, methyl cellulose, alginates, guar gums, gum arabic, casein, hydrous magnesium silicate and carboxymethylcellulose, said total composition containing from about 50 to-about 92 parts by weight of water.

' 5. The method of sterilizing soil which comprises applying thereto at rates of from about 150 to about 300 gallons per acre of a composition comprising as the essential active ingredientsfrom about 3 to about 32 parts by weight of a material selected from the group consisting of sodium and calcium borates, from about 1 to about 16 parts by weight of an alkali metal chlorate, from about 0.04 to about 4 parts by weight of an organic herbicide, said organic herbicide selected from the group consisting of 2,4-dichlorophenoXy-acetic acid, 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2-ch1oro-4,6-bis(ethylamino)-S-triazine, 3-(p-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dirnethyl urea, 3-phenyl-1,1,-dimethyl urea, 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethyl urea, 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl) -l-methyl-1-n-buty1 urea, 2-chloro-4,6-bis-(diethylamino)-S-triazine, 2,3,6-trich1or0benzoic acid, isopropyl- N-(S-chlorophenyl) carbamate, sodium salt of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, sodium 2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)ethyl sulfate, 2,2-dichloropropionic acid, sodium 2, 4,5-trichlorophenoxyethyl sulfate, trichloracetic acid, 3- amino-1,2,4-triazo1e, and sodium salt pentachlorophenate, from about 0 to about 1 part by weight of an organic nonionic surface active agent, and from 0 to about 7 25 clays, methyl cellulose, alginates, guar gums, gum arabic,

casein, hydrous magnesium silicate and carboxymethylcellulose, said total composition containing from about 50 to about 92--parts by weight of water.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,089,612 Kubelka Aug. 10, 1937 2,370,349 Hance Feb. 27, 1945 2,523,316 McClenahan et al Sept. 26, 1950 2,599,373 Chrzanowski June 3, 1952 2,672,449 Snell et a1. Mar. 16, 1954 2,726,150 Wolter Dec. 6, 1955 2,773,757 Connell et a1. Dec. 11, 1956 2,847,293 Harris et a1 Aug. 12, 1958 2,904,423 Stone et' al. Sept. 15, 1959 1 FOREIGN PATENTS 203,557 7 Australia May 19, 1955 727,399 GreatBritain Mar. 30, 1955 

1. A COMPOSITION FOR CONTROL OF VEGATION CAPABLE WHEN APPLIED IN ONE APPLICATION OF IMPARTING A QUICK BURN ALONG WITH A PROLONGED HERBICIDAL ACTION, SAID COMPOSITION COMPRISING AS THE ESSENTIAL ACTIVE INGREDIENTS A HERBICIDAL CONCENTRATION OF A MATERIAL SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF SODIUM AND CALCIUM BORATES, AN ALKALI METAL CHLORATE AND AN ORGANIC HERBICIDE DISPERSED IN A THIXOTROPIC GEL, SAID ORGANIC HERBICIDE SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF 2,4-DICHLOROPHENOXYACETIC ACID, 2,4-5TRICHLOROPHENOXYACETIC ACID, 2-METHYL-4CHLOROPHENOXYACETIC ACID, 2-CHLORO-4,6-BIS(ETHYLAMINO)-S-TRIAZINE, 3-(PCHLOROPHENYL)-1,1-DIMETHYL UREA, 3-PHENYL-1,1-DIMETHYL UREA, 3-(3,4-DICHLOROPHENYL)-1,1-DIMETHYL UREA, 3-(3,4-DICHLOROPHENYL)-1-METHYL-1-N-BUTYL UREA, 2-CHLORO-4,6-BIS(DIETHYLAMINO)-S-TRIAZINE, 2,3,6-TRICHLOROBENZOIC ACID, ISOPROPYL-N-(3-CHLOROPHENYL) CARBAMATE, SODIUM SALT OF 2,4-DICHLOROPHENYOXYACETIC ACID, SODIUM 2-(2,4-DICHLOROPHENOXY)ETHYL SULFATE, 2,2-DICHLOROPROPIONIC ACID, SODIUM 2,4,5-TRICHLOROPHENOXYETHYL SULFATE, TRICHLOROACETIC ACID, 3-AMINO-1,2,4-TRIAZOLE, AND SODIUM SALT PENTACHLOROPHENATE, SAID GEL COMPRISING AN AQUEOUS COLLOIDAL SUSPENSION OF A MATERIAL SELECTED FROM THE CLASS CONSISTING OF CLAYS, METHYL CELLULOSE, ALGINATES, GUAR GUMS, GUM ARABIC, CASEIN, HYDROUS MAGNESIUM SILICATE, AND CARBOXYMETHYLCELLULOSE. 